and e reasonor thais that unger chdren and fetses are velopinmuch moreapidly. eir orga syems are ch more nsitive. >>hat science is starting to show now is that early exposures to toxic chemicals at critical points when a child's in the womb has effects later in life. >> endocrine disruptors are chemicals of growing concern. fetuses and children exposed to even minute amounts may develop a wide range of health conditions, from diminished intelligence to cancers later in life. our endocrine glands produce hormones that regulate the basic processes of our body, like metabolism, growth, reproduction, and development. endocrine disruptors disturb how these processes work. >> endocrine disrupting chemicals interfere with hormone signaling. proper hormone signaling is very important for fetal development and for childhood development, as well as sexual maturation. therefore, compounds that interfere with these processes could have very profound effects. >> many of these and other chemicals appear to be associated with lower i.q.s, and/or behavioral problems in childre